The effect of caraway, chamomile, and artichoke bioextracts on the levels of intermetabolites in an in-vitro model

In recent years, the discovery of new economical active compounds for the correction of carbohydrate and lipid dysmetabolism has become a matter of high importance. Thus, there is a major interest in the identification and selection of plant bioextracts for the purpose of normalization of human metabolism and reduction of known side-effect. The objective of this research is to study the influence of the aforementioned bioextracts on the levels of intermetabolites, pyruvate (PV) and cholesterol (CHOL), in an in-vitro model of human blood. The research has been conducted as part of the LAAD project framework. In our study, water-based extracts of caraway, chamomile, and artichoke (10%) were used in various volumes (50-2000 µL) on PV and CHOL containing blood models. The tests were conducted using standard biochemical methods: PV measurements were done with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine colour spectroscopy, in normal and elevated PV models; CHOL - with the Liebermann-Burchard test. In hypo-, normo-, and hyper-CHOL-emia. Vitamin c concentrations were calculated in all extracts as well. All samples were induced with 100-2000µL of extract and showed increased PV levels in normal and elevated base PV levels. However, the most effective extract was the water-based caraway; by 298.8% and 127.4% respectively. Though all extracts demonstrated a tendency to elevate CHOL levels, less activity was shown by the caraway extract; 6% in normal CHOL levels and 10% in hyper-CHOL-emia. Vitamin C concentrations in all extracts were roughly the same at 1.4±0.8mg%. Of the tested extracts, the water-based caraway extract demonstrated the highest PV elevation. Hypothetically, improved cellular energy levels via utilization of PV may be achieved with these extracts. As vitamin c levels do not affect PV and CHOL levels, more detailed research should be conducted on the activity of polyphenols and other bioactive substances.